Madeira Holidays

Madeira holidays are the underdog of Portugal escapes, with a triple threat of exotic gardens, cute coastal villages and year-round warmth.

Highlights

Botanical gardens that are straight-up gorg (thanks, eternal spring)
Year-round toasty temps (short sleeves always)
Famed for its thrilling wicker-basket toboggan rides
Culture-rich cities where hip meets history
Super chilled atmosphere for a laidback holibobs

What are the best beaches in Madeira

Is Madeira good for beaches? Heck yeah, it is. And the best part is that there's a bit of everything - rugged, rocky bays, black-pebble coves and even imported golden stretches for all you die-hard sand-or-nothing peeps. Give these top beach spots a whirl for your holiday to Madeira:

Praia Formosa – the biggest public beach in Madeira, right at the edge of Funchal with a Blue Flag to its name, a cheeky mix of pebbles and black sand, and plenty of local bars and cafés to pop into for a refreshment
Praia de Machico - decked out with golden sands, super-calm waters and a chilled atmosphere perfect for families with young kiddos
Calheta Beach - one of the few sandy beaches on the island, with pillow-soft sands imported from Morocco (proper boujee), clear, warm waters just begging for a dunk, and a cute little waterfront café - a must visit on your holidays to Madeira.
Prainha de Caniçal - a small and sweet little bay with dark sand, rugged cliffs and a quiet vibe away from all the tourist buzz
Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools - OK so technically it's not a beach, but these natural lava pools are filled with gin-clear seawater perfect for a dip, and the views get a big fat 10/10
Ponta do Sol Beach - literally translating to 'point of sun', this small but mighty pebbled cove is just the spot for some chilled sunbathing, with vibrant waters for all your paddling needs
Praia do Porto do Seixal - the backdrop is the star of the show at this beach. Flop a towel down on the dark, volcanic sands and you'll have the gorgeous sea straight ahead, or lush green mountains behind you. Pure bliss.

What are the top hotels in Madeira?

These top hotels in Madeira seriously understood the 'room with a view' assignment. If chilled vibes, continental buffets and refreshing outdoor pools are on your Madeira holiday checklist, give these hotels a try:

Calheta Beach Hotel - a family-friendly hotel with direct beach access, a whopper of a pool, a poolside bar serving hotdogs and sandwiches, and an on-site spa if you fancy a cheeky pamper
Pestana Royal Premium Ocean & Spa Resort - premium by name, premium by nature, this 5-star resort serves up top-tier views, direct lift access to the beach(!), two pools to dunk into and a playground for the kiddos
Dom Pedro Garajau - conveniently located halfway between Funchal and Caniço, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfy rooms, an outdoor pool and a restaurant terrace with killer views
Pestana Carlton Madeira - a 5-star beaut that couldn't be closer to the sea if it tried (check the pics if you don't believe us), with pools for the whole fam, a taverna grill, a British-style pub and a mini golf course where you can channel your inner Tiger Woods
Dom Pedro Madeira - a sweet and simple hotel with a pool to dunk into, a poolside snack bar and a playground for the youngsters
Porto Santa Maria - Adults Only - a kid-free paradise in Funchal, just steps away from a pebbled beach and with an outdoor pool, a choice of bars and scheduled entertainment

Madeira travel guide

🍻 All-inclusive holidays to Madeira

Jungle-like botanical gardens, beaches for every occasion and rugged mountain backdrops - Madeira's got the lot, and the hotels are just as giving! Think lazy pool days with your fave tipple in hand, endless scoops of ice cream, nightly entertainment and as many breakfasts as you fancy - all included in one nifty little holiday package. That's what all-inclusive holidays to Madeira are all about. Whether you're whisking the whole fam away or jetting off for some couple time, you can't beat having everything included.

✈️ 2024 holidays to Madeira

Looking for a sunny spot to chill out this year? We feel ya, and let's be honest - you're not gonna get it at home. Thankfully, Madeira's climate stays toasty all year round, so whether you're on the hunt for a last-minute getaway or you're planning ahead for a break later in the year, Madeira's got you covered. Think delish Mediterranean grub for every single meal, postcard-perfect villages and beaches full of character - all just a 4-hour flight away! Plus, booking with us means booking with confidence, because all of our flight-inclusive package holidays are ATOL-protected. Winner.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family holidays to Madeira

Packed with beaches and bags of fun, Madeira is a great shout for a family jolly. It's not quite as widely-known as Portugal, which is why it's a great place to enjoy while it's still something of a hidden gem. Hotels come equipped with all the essentials - pools and kids' clubs for the youngsters, and bars serving delish Madeiran wine for you. Obviously. It's also got beaches to fit every vibe - from soft and sandy to small and pebbly, and botanical gardens for a bangin' family day out. Trust us, there won't be any disappointed kiddos here.

💎 Luxury holidays to Madeira

Madeira holidays know exactly how to vacay in style. It's got the chilled vibes and gorg backdrops to make any holiday boujee, but add to the mix a stunner of a hotel and you might just hit the jackpot. There are bags of five-star hotels in Madeira, all offering swanky restaurants and bars, killer views, upscale spas and swish pool areas that'll have you feeling like a superstar. Go on. Treat yourself.

Popular Madeira hotels

Stunning Madeira resorts

Weather in Madeira

JAN

14^°C

FEB

14^°C

MAR

18^°C

APR

22^°C

MAY

25^°C

JUN

27^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

23^°C

NOV

19^°C

DEC

16^°C

Madeira's always serving up top-tier weather, rocking a mild Meddy vibe that stays at a toasty 16-20°C even in winter. For context, that's an average spring at home (if we're lucky, and are we ever?)

Spring in Madeira is when all the botanical gardens really start to pop off, with temperatures hitting 19-23°C.

Soaring to about 26°C in summer, this is an obvious pull for anyone looking for a relaxing, sunny holiday to Madeira. Chuck your towels down on some volcanic sand and get paddling.

Long story short? It's got that year-round sun with the not-too-hot, not-too-cold vibes that'll have you whipping out your spring wardrobe without sweating buckets and spades. Winner winner, chicken dinner we reckon.

FAQs

The flight is just 3 hours and 45 minutes from the UK/Ireland, which is enough time to watch Oppenheimer and have time for a cheeky nap.

There is no time difference between Madeira and the UK/Ireland, so you can kiss buh-bye to pesky jet lag!

The local currency used in Madeira is the Euro.

The official language spoken in Madeira is Portuguese. Olá.

Find out more about:

Madeira #offthebeach

Check out the painted doors of Funchal

We didn't have adding 'look at doors' as a thing to do on our Madeira holiday 2024 bingo card, but trust us when we say these doorways in the Old Town down Santa Maria Street are pure beaut. The whole street is one big, outdoor gallery with doors painted every colour of the rainbow by a group of local artists. It's quirky, it's cute, and it's the perfect excuse for a snap.

Hurtle down the hills in a wicker basket

Yeah, we said what we said. These traditional toboggan rides are an absolute staple activity in the Old Town, dating back to the 19th Century when they were used as a form of transport by the locals. Nowadays, it's just a really fun way to zoom from Monte to Funchal in a jiffy.

Try the local poncha

Poncha is the island's most traditional drink, and you'll find it in all the local tavernas. It's a very strong, distilled spirit (so not for the fainthearted!) mixed with honey, sugar and fresh lemon. Some tavernas will even let you have a go at mixing the poncha yourself, and some offer different flavour variations - like passion fruit or kiwi.

Have a whale of a time spotting dolphins

A Madeira holiday is the best excuse you'll ever have to go dolphin and whale-watching all year round, so book yourself on a catamaran tour if you fancy getting up close to these beauties. The average trip is about 2 hours, giving plenty of time to admire the views and wave hello to some of the local sea creatures. Some tours even offer the chance to whip your snorkel out and take a dip in the waters yourself!

Do go chasing waterfalls

We don't care what TLC say (or how much of a banger it is), the waterfalls in Madeira have to be seen. Levada walks are super popular in Madeira, levadas being a system of aqueducts that pave pathways through an open canal system. Follow these, and you'll be taken through a series of both wet and dry regions, passing dozens of waterfalls along the way.

Visit the local farmer's market

Mercado dos Lavradores is a lively local market located in central Funchal in a unique building built back in 1938. This two-storey market hall is decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles (just to make you really feel like you're on your jollies), and while the top floor is decked out with dried fruit, spices and veg stalls, the ground floor is where you'll find fruit stalls and flower-sellers. Why not take a minute to stop and smell the roses? Literally.

What events can I go to in Madeira?
We reckon a Madeira holiday might be slept on a little, but trust us when we say that its event calendar has plenty to tuck into. From fireworks and flowers to traditional festivals and wine-tasting, here are a few of the top events in Madeira to keep an eye out for:
- Carnival Festivities (February/March) - hit the streets of Madeira for a show of dazzling costumes, colourful floats (it's giving Macy's Parade), music and - of course - lots of dancing.
- Funchal Book Fair (March) - a week-long event celebrating local bookshops and Portuguese publishing houses with book launches, poetry sessions and literary seminars under the jacaranda trees - plus live music and entertainment for the kiddos - think scholastic book fair times a million
- Rum Festival (April) - exactly what it says on the tin, this festival brings together local rum producers all over the island in Largo da Restauração, so you can sample and buy some of the good stuff
- Flower Festival (April/May) - we're talking gorge floral displays, parades and the scent of blossoms in the air as the island comes to life for spring
- Maktub Soundsgood (May) - a mesh of reggae music for all the chilled vibes in a beaut location
- Atlantic Festival (June) - kickstart your summer holiday to Madeira with a combo of fireworks and music every Saturday in June
- Funchal Jazz Festival (July) - one of Madeira's most popular cultural events, serving up performances from jazz artists all over the globe, set in Santa Catarina Park against the backdrop of Funchal Bay
- Madeira Wine Festival (August/September) - a celebration of the island's rich vino heritage, with traditional music, a cute harvest vibe and - most importantly - tasting
- Columbus Festival (September) - located on the island of Porto Santo with historical reenactments that'll send you back in time, and a sweet little market
- Madeira Nature Festival (October) - one for the nature crowd, with fun outdoor activities like sea sports and mountain expeditions
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks (December) - top the year off with a whopper of a firework show, recognised as some of the world's best! What a way to ring in the year.
Where is the best nightlife in Madeira?
Madeira holidays might be super chill, but they've still got their fair share of nightlife spots to add some late-night thrills to your trip. From cocktails under the stars to dancefloors that'll have you grooving 'til dawn, show these bars and clubs some love if you're looking for a good time:
- Barreirinha Bar Café - the ultimate chill-out lounge right by the sea, with cool tunes from the resident DJ and killer views at sunset (your Instagram's gonna be popping off, just sayin')
- Copacabana Garden - a quiet garden by day and a buzzing club by night, this central venue in Funchal is all about open-air dancing with DJs on the decks providing a right mix of bangers
- Trap Music Bar - a high-energy underground bar bringing hip-hop vibes with live music, a disco room and a terrace
- Venda Velha - famous for serving up poncha, this casual tavern is the place to be for old-school vibes and live music
- Marginal - bringing the island vibes to Funchal, this bar is well-stocked with beers, wines, spirits and hand-crafted cocktails, and with a good mix of pop, techno and 80s tunes from the DJs, there's quite literally something for everyone
- Mini Eco Bar - an small but mighty eco-friendly bar with weekend discos, loads of different gins on offer, and a dancefloor that's open until 4AM - holidays to Madeira done right!
- Prince Albert Pub - no we're not talking about the body piercing - this British-style pub is decked out with everything to give you a taste of home - pool tables, sports screens and pub grub with a dash of Madeiran flair
Things to eat in Madeira
From sizzlin' street eats to swish fine-dining, Madeira's food scene is bursting with flavour. Think fresh-as-it-comes seafood, pillowy flatbreads and big Med flavours. We recommend these local goodies for a taste of the best stuff:
- Espetada - beef marinated in garlic, salt and bay leaves, then grilled on skewers to smoky perfection
- Bolo do caco - traditional local garlic bread (already a win), brushed with warm butter and the perfect way to mop up sauce from any meal
- Lapas - grilled limpets served hot from the grill with a splash of lemon and a dash of garlic - you say lapas, we say heaven
- Milho frito - fried cornmeal squares that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served as a delish side dish, often with espetada
- Bacalhau - Madeira's twist on a Portuguese classic, made up of salted cod which can be either grilled or baked with cream
- Prego no bolo do caco - a good ol' steak sandwich, served on traditional Madeiran garlic bread, often with lettuce, tomato and cheese
Wondering where to try these plates of deliciousness on your Madeira holiday? Well there's plenty of restaurants to choose from, from cosy taverns to glitzy restaurants, but we recommend these for a good time:
- Restaurante do forte - exactly what the name suggests, this restaurant is located in an old fort in Funchal, serving up lush views and even better food
- O Tasco - eat like a local at this cosy tavern serving traditional Madeiran and Portuguese grub from an ever-changing menu that's based on whatever the chefs can get their hands on from the markets
- Maré Alta - one for the seafood-lovers, serving the freshest catches of the day and whopping seafood platters right by the ocean
- Quinta do Furão - a clifftop restaurant offering delish Madeiran food and breathtaking views of the north coast - the perfect date night spot
- The Vine - a sleek and modern venue located in the Vine Hotel, with a fusion of local and international dishes, a bangin' wine selection and a rooftop terrace serving up delish cocktails and panoramic views of Funchal
- O Lagar - a firm fave with the locals, this rustic spot in Câmara de Lobos is the perfect place to try staple dishes like espetada

Places to visit

Madeira Botanical Gardens
Even if flowers don't particularly excite you, trust us when we say these botanical gardens are one of the most beaut things you'll see on your Madeira holiday, and you won't want to miss them. Tucked way up in the hilltops of Funchal, they span over a whopping 35,000 square metres (which is really big, FYI), with winding pathways through exotic plants from around the world and aesthetic gardens that look like something from a storybook. Plus, thanks to its hilltop location, you're in for some cracking views over Funchal while you're at it. Basically, no matter where you look while you're here, your eyes are in for a right treat.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
If heights make you queasy, maybe give this one a miss. But if you're a photography whizz and fancy taking in some of the most dramatic views in Madeira, you're gonna want to bump this place to the top of your list. It's one of the highest cliff skywalks in Europe (bragging rights secured), with a platform perched 500 metres above sea level and a glass-floored ledge to really get your adrenaline pumping. Name a better way to take in the views of the Atlantic and coastal landscapes. We'll wait.
Sao Vicente Caves
If you feel old, don't worry - these caves were formed over 890,000 years ago, talk about fountain of youth, they'll have you feeling as young as the day you were born. A tour of these underground bad boys will have you stepping into a time machine, sci-fi-style, with lava tubes, lakes, tunnels and stalactites (the stony icicles hanging from the ceiling). A ticket here will also give you access to the above-ground gardens and the replica lift which takes you into a 3D simulation of the earth's core. It's all very Journey to the Centre of the Earth vibes, and we simply can't get enough.

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

There is currently no tourist tax to pay in Madeira.

Madeira Holidays

Highlights

What are the best beaches in Madeira

What are the top hotels in Madeira?

Madeira travel guide

🍻 All-inclusive holidays to Madeira

✈️ 2024 holidays to Madeira

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family holidays to Madeira

💎 Luxury holidays to Madeira

Popular Madeira hotels

Stunning Madeira resorts

Weather in Madeira

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Madeira?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Madeira?

What currency do they use in Madeira?

What language do they speak in Madeira?

Find out more about:

Check out the painted doors of Funchal

Hurtle down the hills in a wicker basket

Try the local poncha

Have a whale of a time spotting dolphins

Do go chasing waterfalls

Visit the local farmer's market

What events can I go to in Madeira?

Where is the best nightlife in Madeira?

Things to eat in Madeira

Places to visit

Madeira Botanical Gardens

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Sao Vicente Caves

Key facts about Madeira

Flight time

3 hrs 45 mins

Time Difference

No difference!

Currency

Euro

Language

Portuguese

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Madeira?

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Madeira?